“The Last Kiss” – In this thematic sequel to “Garden State,” Zach Braff’s heartwarming 2004 directorial debut, Braff plays a guy torn between his fiancee (Jacinda Barrett) and a full-of-life collegian (Rachel Bilson). (If only […]
“The Hole Story” – Boston filmmaker Alex Karpovsky created this hilarious documentary-turned-comedy largely in the editing room. He intended to make a pilot for “Provincial Puzzlers,” telling the story of the “black hole” in 2003 […]
“The Break-Up” – Romantic comedies usually explore the ups and downs of a relationship destined for a happy ending, but this film – determined to be more realistic – shows the minor annoyances and petty […]
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” – Everyone will find something offensive about “Borat,” which spins off Sacha Baron Cohen’s character from “Da Ali G Show,” but there’s no […]
“Walk the Line” – He wasn’t just a guy with a cool voice who dressed in black. Country legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) also swooned over a woman (Reese Witherspoon’s June Carter), battled a pill […]
“Sin City” – This adaptation of Frank Miller’s gritty and remarkably violent comics, directed by Robert Rodriguez in a nearly panel-by-panel style, is three mini-movies in one. The second, starring Benicio Del Toro’s head, and […]
“Crash” – Writer-director Paul Haggis (“Million Dollar Baby”) follows about a dozen characters – played by Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Brendon Fraser and Terrence Howard, among others – through initially unrelated stories about their daily […]
“Cinderella Man” – Director Ron Howard’s leisurely paced true story about boxer Jimmy Braddock (Russell Crowe) – who fought not for glory, but simply to feed his family – certainly brings a viewer into the […]
John’s “Batman Begins” flashback review, Jan. 14, 2019 “Batman Begins” – This prequel sets aside the grandiose stunts long enough that we actually get a sense of who Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is – like […]
“Team America: World Police” – In an oversized puppet show, “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone slam Jerry Bruckheimer efforts such as “Armageddon” and “Pearl Harbor,” while also delivering smart political jabs. Parker […]